A 15-year old Homestead boy will be appearing in juvenile court this afternoon where the State Attorney's Office may announce a direct file. In other words, the State Attorney's Office may be charging the boy as an adult.
The 15-year old boy is facing charges of manslaughter and carrying a concealed firearm for allegedly discharging a gun on a school bus, which resulted in the death of a 13-year old girl.
If sent to adult court (Circuit Court), the boy will face the statutory maximum penalties for each offense. If he remains in juvenile court, he can only face juvenile sanctions, which may include being placed in a locked juvenile facility until he is 21 years old.